England tops Group L with win over Panama but faces World Cup challenges
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 28, 2026, 1:06 AM
Last updated Jun 28, 2026
England secured a place in the knockout stage of the World Cup by defeating Panama, finishing top of Group L. Head coach Thomas Tuchel acknowledged that the team's performance thus far has not been entirely convincing, as they struggled initially against a ranked 42nd Panama squad. Jude Bellingham's pivotal goal and assist for Harry Kane's second goal highlighted key contributions as the team prepares for a last-32 match on Wednesday in Atlanta. Tuchel emphasized the need for improvement going forward, stating the serious challenges lie ahead for England in the tournament.
- •England wins final group match against Panama to top Group L.
- •Jude Bellingham scored one goal and assisted another.
- •Harry Kane becomes England's leading World Cup finals scorer with 11 goals.
- •England to face either DR Congo or Senegal in last 32 on Wednesday.
- •Tuchel expresses need for improvement ahead of knockout phase.
- 1:09 AMYahoo Sports — Bellingham says 'job done' but England must improve at World Cup
- 1:06 AMYahoo Sports — Job done - but England will not win World Cup unless they improve
- 1:05 AMBBC Sport — Job done - but England will not win World Cup unless they improve
"Jude Bellingham said England had achieved their immediate objective after sealing top spot in their World Cup group, but warned there was still significant room for improvement ahead of the knockout stage.We've achieved our first objective, which was to win the group," said Bellingham.
"England did their job topping the group - but they can forget winning the World Cup if they do not improve, writes Phil McNulty.
"England did their job topping the group - but they can forget winning the World Cup if they do not improve, writes Phil McNulty.
Sources
External links- Yahoo SportsJun 28, 2026, 1:09 AMBellingham says 'job done' but England must improve at World Cup
Jude Bellingham said England had achieved their immediate objective after sealing top spot in their World Cup group, but warned there was still significant room for improvement ahead of the knockout stage.We've achieved our first objective, which was to win the group," said Bellingham.
- Yahoo SportsJun 28, 2026, 1:06 AMJob done - but England will not win World Cup unless they improve
England did their job topping the group - but they can forget winning the World Cup if they do not improve, writes Phil McNulty.
- BBC SportJun 28, 2026, 1:05 AMJob done - but England will not win World Cup unless they improve
England did their job topping the group - but they can forget winning the World Cup if they do not improve, writes Phil McNulty.
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